Cancer

Cancer

Species: Dog

Breeds Affected: All Breeds (more common in older dogs; certain breeds prone to specific cancers)

Cancer in dogs is a broad group of diseases where cells grow uncontrollably, invade surrounding tissue, and may spread (metastasize). It can affect any body part (skin, bone, blood, organs). Older dogs are much more likely to develop cancer, and some breeds have higher incidences of particular types (e.g. Boxers and Golden Retrievers are prone to mast cell tumors; large/giant breeds like Great Danes or St. Bernards have higher risk of bone cancer).

• Signs of cancer vary widely with the type and location. Possible signs include a persistent lump or swelling (not all are malignant
• but any lump should be checked)
• sores that don’t heal
• abnormal bleeding or discharge
• lameness or swelling in the bone (for bone cancers)
• unexplained weight loss or loss of appetite
• and lethargy. For example
• lymphomas may cause enlarged lymph nodes; oral cancers might present as foul breath
• drooling
• or difficulty eating. Any unusual new symptoms in an older dog can be a red flag.

Treatment options depend on the cancer type, location, and stage. Common treatments include surgery (to remove localized tumors), chemotherapy (drug treatment, often for systemic or blood cancers), radiation therapy (targeted high-energy rays to shrink tumors), and immunotherapy. Often a combination is used. Some tumors can be cured with surgery alone if caught early, while others require lifelong management. In cases where a cure isn’t possible, palliative care (pain relief and comfort measures) is important to maintain quality of life. Early detection and treatment usually improve outcomes.

Medications for cancer include various chemotherapy drugs (depending on cancer type) such as doxorubicin, vincristine, cyclophosphamide, lomustine, etc., used to kill or slow the growth of cancer cells. These may be given IV or orally in cycles. For mast cell tumors, targeted therapy like toceranib (Palladia) may be used. NSAIDs like piroxicam have anti-tumor effects in certain cancers (e.g. bladder cancer). Steroids (prednisone) are often used either as part of chemotherapy protocols (like for lymphoma) or for palliation to reduce inflammation and tumor size temporarily. Pain medications (opioids, gabapentin) and other supportive meds are provided as needed to keep the dog comfortable.